Threshold-Release Connector Coupling With Auto-Sealing Fluid Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for medical tubing and catheters often become dislodged due to improper securement or forces exceeding the coupling's design limits, leading to interruptions in medical fluid administration and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a pusher mechanism and stopwatch activation that securely retains the connection until a predetermined threshold force is exceeded, then automatically decouples and seals the fluid path to prevent dislodgement, featuring a spring member to close the outlet port and a stopwatch to record disconnection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used to secure catheters, then the connection can be established, but the connection becomes prone to accidental disconnection under normal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the pusher element can be displaced between a locked position (preventing disconnection) and an unlocked position (allowing intentional removal). The system transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one that adapts to applied forces, maintaining security under normal conditions while enabling controlled detachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with a threshold force mechanism that anticipates potential disconnection attempts. The pusher element is positioned to engage the locking feature before accidental displacement can occur, and the system is designed to maintain this locked state until a predetermined threshold force is intentionally applied to trigger controlled release.
2Reliability
If the connector is designed to maintain secure connection, then accidental disconnection is prevented, but the system becomes complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the pusher element serves both as a locking mechanism and a force-sensing component, while the stopwatch function is combined with the displacement detection. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed compared to systems that would separately monitor force, track time, and provide locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher element performs multiple roles: it acts as a mechanical lock, a force threshold sensor, and a trigger for the stopwatch function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows intentional removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of applied force to distinguish between intentional and accidental removal. Normal forces below the threshold maintain the locked state, while forces exceeding the threshold trigger controlled release. This parameter-based differentiation allows easy intentional removal when needed while preventing accidental disconnection during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with a threshold force mechanism that anticipates potential disconnection attempts. The pusher element is positioned to engage the locking feature before accidental displacement can occur, and the system is designed to maintain this locked state until a predetermined threshold force is intentionally applied to trigger controlled release.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector seals the fluid path upon disconnection, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector automatically seals the fluid path through its own internal mechanism when disconnection occurs. The pusher element's displacement triggers the sealing action without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the disconnection event to activate the sealing function, thereby preventing microbial ingress while adding minimal complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly may include a cover defining a cavity, a luer portion extending through an open end of the cover, a proximal connector disposed at least partially in the cavity of the cover, a pusher mounted on the proximal connector, a distal connector at least partially disposed in the cover, and a stopwatch mounted on the cover and including at least one contact. The pusher may include a body portion and first and second pusher legs extending from the body portion. When the distal connector is coupled to a mating connector, the stopwatch may abut the first pusher leg such that the at least one contact is recessed within the stopwatch. When a force applied to the proximal connector exceeds a predetermined threshold the stopwatch may be separated from the first pusher leg and the at least one contact may extend proximally to activate a timer of the stopwatch.